Catasauqua high and middle school students will have to sit for the Keystone Exams this coming winter.

According to Catasauqua Area School District Director of Curriculum and Assessment Christina Lutz-Doemling, Pennsylvania developed a new set of graduation requirements to ensure those graduating are better prepared for college and the workforce.

"The Keystone Exams are end of course assessments aligned to the Common Core Standards," said Lutz-Doemling. "Beginning with the class of 2017, students will need to demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Exams for the purposes of graduation. Beginning in 2012-13, the Keystone Exams will replace the 11th grade PSSA and satisfy the federal No Child Left Behind testing requirements for high school students."

Eleventh-grade students will be tested in algebra i, biology and literature during the winter testing session. Those student not receiving a proficient score during the winter testing session will have the opportunity to participate in supplemental instruction and retake the test in the spring.

"As required by Chapter 4 regulations, CHS will provide supplemental instruction to students not scoring proficient," Lutz-Doemling said.

Proficiency scores have not yet been determined by the state, said Lutz-Doemling.

The dates for the Keystone Exams are Dec. 3-14, Jan. 9-23 and, in the spring, May 13-24.